18Mar15

Russia to ensure defense and security of South Ossetian border -- treaty on
alliance

Russia will ensure defense and security of South Ossetia and protect the
country's borders, according to the Treaty on alliance and integration signed on
Wednesday between Moscow and Tskhinval.

The treaty envisages forming a common defense and security space between
Russia and South Ossetia.

Separate units of South Ossetia's military forces will be integrated into Russia's
Armed Forces. Military aggression against one country will be considered an act
of aggression directed against the other country as well.

The treaty also envisages free border crossing between Russia and South
Ossetia, taking into account restrictions in place for security concerns.

The document stipulates that Moscow and Tskhinval will conduct a coordinated
foreign policy. Russia will assist South Ossetia in urging more countries to
recognize the republic's independence.

Putin praises alliance treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday praised the alliance and
integration treaty with South Ossetia, calling it "a landmark document."

"Today we made another important step towards further consolidation of
partnership ties," Putin told reporters after the talks with his South Ossetian
counterpart, Leonid Tibilov.

Russia to allocate $16 million to South Ossetia in 2016

Putin said one billion rubles ($16 million) will be allocated from Russia's 2016
budget to the implementation of the Treaty on alliance and integration between
Russia and South Ossetia.

"The implementation of the treaty will be supported by considerable financial
resources. In 2016, around 1 billion rubles will be allocated to South Ossetia for
these purposes," Putin told journalists. "In 2008-2014, the total amount of
financial support for the republic stood at 43 billion rubles," the president noted.

"The treaty on alliance and integration between the Russian Federation and
South Ossetia is a basic document that envisages further bilateral agreements on
specific areas of cooperation. It is planned to allocate 1 billion rubles from
Russia's 2016 budget for its implementation," the materials said.

Trade turnover between Russia and South Ossetia stood at $66.9 million in 2014.

The Treaty on alliance and integration between the two countries is a basic
document for gradual development of closer cooperation in social, economic and
humanitarian spheres, as well as in foreign policy, defense and security while
preserving South Ossetia's sovereignty. The treaty is signed for 25 years, it can
be extended for 10 years after expiration.

In November 2014, Russia signed a similar agreement with Abkhazia - a Treaty
on strategic alliance.

[Source: Itar Tass, Moscow, 18Mar15]

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